5th Annual Ken Schueler: Navigating the Complexities of Blood Cancer

Navigating the Complexities of Blood Cancer brings advocates, professionals, and families together for a powerful, half-day virtual learning experience focused on one of the most complex areas of oncology care. This four-and-a-half-hour seminar will explore what makes blood cancers uniquely challenging—from diagnosis and treatment pathways to financial barriers, ethical decision-making, and real-world patient experiences. Through expert-led sessions and patient voices, attendees will gain practical insights, trusted resources, and advocacy strategies they can immediately apply when supporting individuals and families affected by blood cancer. Whether you work directly with patients or want to deepen your understanding of this evolving landscape, this seminar is designed to inform, challenge, and equip you to advocate with greater confidence and clarity.

Friday, March 13, 2026

12:00–4:30 PM ET (11:00 CT | 10:00 MT | 9:00 PT)

Live Virtual Seminar

What to Expect

• Clinical perspectives to strengthen foundational understanding
• Advocacy strategies for access, support, and navigation
• Cost-of-care considerations and financial resource pathways
• Ethical considerations and real-world advocacy insights
• Patient and survivor perspectives (planned)

Who Should Attend

• Board-Certified Patient Advocates (BCPAs)
• Healthcare advocates supporting oncology clients
• Advocates working with complex, chronic, or life-altering diagnoses
• Professionals looking to build confidence in blood cancer advocacy

Program Overview

• Clinical Perspectives: Blood Cancer Basics for Advocates
• Advocating for Access: Support Resources for Patients & Families
• Cost of Care: Navigating Financial Challenges
• Ethical Considerations & Patient Voices: Complex decision-making, lived experience, and advocacy support

Session Highlights

• Clinical Perspectives: Understanding blood cancer diagnosis, treatment pathways, and how advocates support patients navigating complex care

• Patient & Family Support: Connecting individuals to education, community resources, and national support organizations

• Cost of Care & Access: Addressing financial barriers, insurance challenges, and funding options in today’s healthcare landscape

• Ethics & Patient Voices: Real-world ethical dilemmas and lived experiences from blood cancer survivors and families

Continuing Education

NAHAC anticipates offering approximately 4 Continuing Education (CE) credits for this program. The specific CE type(s) are currently being finalized and will be announced once approvals are complete.

Questions? Email education@nahac.com.

Speakers

Kathleen M. Kaspar, MSN, PNP-AC/PC Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta

Katie is a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner with substantial experience in pediatric blood cancers. Today Katie will provide us with an overview of blood cancer diagnosis and disease process. She’ll comment on diagnostic and research initiatives and emerging immune therapies, and provide us with perspectives on how advocates and families can collaborate effectively with oncology care teams.

Lauren Fryzel - Senior Manager, Patient & Community Outreach at Blood Cancer United

Lauren currently serves as the Blood Cancer United Senior Manager of Patient and Community Outreach in Michigan & Indiana. Lauren is a Young Adult Hodgkin’s Lymphoma survivor and understands how traumatic and life-altering a cancer diagnosis can be at any age. A Grand Valley State University School of Social Work graduate, her role at the Blood Cancer United is to connect patients with services as well as provide ongoing support, education, and access to quality care for patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals. Lauren also serves as an advocate on several cancer committees locally and nationally.

Amy Niles, Chief Mission Officer, Patient Access Network Foundation

Amy Niles is a healthcare executive and patient advocate with more than 30 years of experience leading mission-driven health organizations. As Chief Mission Officer at the PAN Foundation, she oversees advocacy strategy, education initiatives, and program development focused on improving access to care and affordability. Amy has been recognized as a thought leader on healthcare policy and affordability and is frequently cited in national media for her work supporting patients with serious illness.

AnnMarie Mcllwain, Patient Advocators, LLC

AnnMarie Quintaglie McIlwain is the Founder and CEO of Patient Advocators, a private patient advocacy firm supporting clients nationwide. Known for her work in complex cancer care and mental health, AnnMarie partners with medical teams to identify optimal treatment options while reducing out-of-pocket costs. Her advocacy has been featured in major national media, and her firm has saved clients more than $7 million through insurance negotiations.